Wardell, Bradley. Elemental (Destiny’s Embers).

Wardell, Bradley Elemental (Destiny’s Embers)
Ballantine see Random 2010 532p 16.00
978-0-345-51786-9 hs/adult VG-BN

At a frontier outpost, Xander witnesses the destruction of all he knows at the hands of the Fallen, the great enemy thought vanquished during the War of Magic. Like a video game, the key elements developed in this novel are interesting characters engaged in a well-paced plot, while other elements, such as setting, receive nominal consideration. It could be argued that this novel is a vehicle to shamelessly promote the video game developed by the author. On the other hand, Wardell’s debut novel might also be categorized as a successful fan-fiction written by the designer of the video game upon which the novel is based.

Fantasy fans need not be gamers to enjoy this engaging story. Those unaware of the video game might never make the connection between the two -- the story reads well.

At a provincial outpost, Xander’s life is forever changed when he witnesses the Fallen, the enemy thought vanquished during the War of Magic, annihilate his home and all he has known. Accompanied by his friend Genica, the thief Vreen, and a Sion of uncertain loyalty, Xander’s group embarks on a journey to seek out an artifact of legendary power in order to save their race and their world. But the motley cohort, reacting to events believably -- like ordinary folks in extraordinary circumstances -- make mistakes and strive to do what is necessary despite their personal limitations. Fantasy Welliver, Hilary

Koontz, Dean. Odd Is On Our Side.

Koontz, Dean. Odd Is On Our Side.
Ballantine see Random 2010 186p 10.99
978-0-345-51560-5 ms/hs ghost - crimes - mysteries - E-BN


Odd Thomas sees dead people. Usually that means something is wrong or about to go wrong. The problem is how discover where it is going to go wrong and how can he stop it from harming anyone.
Odd Thomas lives in Pico Mundo. He is a short order cook and makes the Best Pancakes but he also sees dead people. They can’t talk to him but they have ways of communicating with him. The one ghost that visits him the most is Elvis Presley. Odd is still trying to figure that one out. His girlfriend Stormy is also odd in that although she can not see what Odd sees she understands and supports him.

Odd Thomas has accepted his fate and just tries to figure out the clues that dead people give him when things look bleak. On this particular day everyone in the town of Pico Mundo is getting ready to celebrate Halloween. On the surface all seems like it is going well and everyone should be having fun but Odd knows better. He and Stormy are trying to figure out what Elvis is trying to tell him and find where things can and will go wrong.

This graphic novel is fun and entertaining. Introduces all the characters and takes you on a crime solving, ghost hunting ride through the town of Pico Mundo. A fun read. Graphic novel Diaz, Magna

Foster, Alan Dean. The Human Blend.

Foster, Alan Dean The Human Blend
Ballantine see Random 2010 226p 26.00
978-0-345-51197-3 ms/hs VG-BN


This is a near-future adventure thriller that is full of quirky and real characters that will keep the readers spell bound throughout the book. It is a world where prosthetic parts and implants are the name of the game. This is a story of two thugs who have been enhanced with radical surgery and implants. Whispr is very thin and walks silently. Jimminy Cricket has been altered to have fast twitch legs and jumping abilities. Their occupation is stealing. However, they get in trouble when they kill a tourist in an alley so that they can cut off his artificial hand to fence. In the process they find a golden thread on the man’s body that gets them into great trouble when they attempt to fence it.
It is a fast paced story of police chases, jails, implant changes, etc. Readers will be constantly surprised by new and unusual characters and how they live in a world that is surreal to us.
Readers who have reader other books by the author will once again have new worlds to travel and new characters to enjoy. Science fiction McNeil, Linda

Fortier, Anne. Juliet.

Fortier, Anne Juliet
Ballantine see Random 2010 447p 25.00
978-0-345-51610-7 hs/adult Family Secrets-fiction VG-BN


A dramatically written historical novel that tells the story of a young woman who tries to discover her identity and the legacy that links her back to literature’s greatest star crossed lovers(Romeo & Juliet). The story starts when Juliet’s Aunt Rose dies and leaves her estate to both she and her twin. The problem arises when she discovers that her twin will receive the home and money while she gets a key to a safe deposit box in Sienna, Italy.The story starts when Juliet’s Aunt Rose dies and leaves her estate to both she and her twin. The problem arises when she discovers that her twin will receive the home and money while she gets a key to a safe deposit box in Sienna, Italy.
As Juliet starts her journey back in time to discover the meanings of the clues she needs to solve the riddles that started in 1340 when her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei was smuggled into Sienna, Italy. In the course of tracing the clues, she is accosted and robbed as well as deceived by family members. The more she discovers the more she is confronted by superstitions and long held vendettas of people around her.
The story is fast paced and smoothly written including many interesting historical tidbits about the Tuscany region. The descriptive passages will give the readers an insight into the beautiful landscape and the wonders of the ancient buildings and how the have been preserved even today. Readers will also learn that memories sometimes last for centuries. Is it possible for Juliet to find her modern day Romeo to lift the curse laid down so many centuries ago?
The addition of the authors note at the end of the novel was a necessity for a historical novel. I would have liked to have a little more information included, perhaps a timeline.
Historical McNeil, Linda

Cronin, Justin. The Passage.

Cronin, Justin The Passage
Ballantine see Random 2010 766p 27.00
978-0-345-50496-8 hs/adult Apocalyptic Fiction E-BN


A secret military experiment goes wrong yielding super warrior vampires that terrorize all humans who retreat into walled fortresses. A young girl holds the key to overcoming these creatures. Science fiction/fantasy/romance lovers will all enjoy. Grades 7-adult. A stunner of a novel integrating a top secret military experiment on humans with a vampire story all set within an apocalyptic futuristic time. Told from many personal viewpoints as well as journals and historical records, the plot weaves between current and past experiences without losing the reader. Amy, an illegitimate six-year old who is unaffected by the vampires, is abandoned by her mother at a convent. A top secret military experiment in Colorado injects twelve death row inmates with a virus that will make them super strong and almost indestructible – a way to create super warriors to fight in the American wars. What they have created is a vampirish, blood thirsty creature that infects others and the result is total loyalty to the host vampire. A settlement of humans trying to defy the vampires is so well described, the reader understands their lifestyle and customs. The story is fast paced and segues between Amy’s story and the lives of the settlement residents until they merge into one grand surge toward “home”. Pithy comments about the environment, energy use, and government control or lack thereof will resonate with the reader. Techie readers, romance readers, vampire readers will all appreciate this well-crafted novel. Surely a sequel will follow. Spellbinding reading that ends on a hopeful note. For grades 7-adult. Science fiction McNicol,Lois

Brooks, Terry. Bearers of the Black Staff (Legends of Shannara)

Brooks, Terry Bearers of the Black Staff (Legends of Shannara)
Ballantine see Random 2010 353p 27.00
978-0-345-48417-8 hs/adult
Shannara saga continued in new series VG-BN


Five hundred years after the events of the Genesis of Shannara series (Gypsy Morph, Armageddon’s Children, Elves of Cintra), the peace of the magically protected valley is threatened by evil creatures. Fans of Shannara (now more than 20 works) will welcome this “sequel” to The Gypsy Morph. Out of the devastation that concluded with the Genesis of Shannara series, Hawk led the remaining elves, men and other races to a mountain valley where a wall created by their combined magic has kept the evil demons without at bay for 500 years. Now that magical wall has been breached, allowing evil creatures to enter the valley. Once again, a magical quest must be undertaken to save the fragile world. With each addition to the Shannara mythology, Brooks becomes more adept at creating memorable, well-drawn characters, a taut plot and a believable universe. This novel will not disappoint, and will leave fans eagerly awaiting the planned sequel, The Measure of Magic. Sword and sorcery fanatasy at its finest. Fantasy Naismith, Pat

A Nose For Justice

Brown, Rita Mae. A Nose For Justice
Ballantine see Random 2010 267p 25.00
978-0-345-51181-2 jr./sr Mystery/Detective VG-BN
Mags Rogers escapes the debacle of Wall Street and heads west with her wire-haired dachshund, Baxter. Her arrival coincides with mysterious explosions and the discovery of a 100 year old skeleton. Mystery and intrigue run rampant in this novel.
Mags’ job as a Wall Street broker came to a quick end with the crash of the economy. After tying up loose ends she heads West with Baxter to her aunt’s ranch (Wings Ranch) to regroup and find another career.
Life on Jeep’s ranch is very orderly and calm until someone discovers a 100 year old skeleton in the floor of a barn being renovated. Almost simultaneously a pipe bomb explodes a local water pumping station. Local Deputy Pete Meadows and his partner are left to deal with both situations. Since the explosion took immediate precedent, Mags and her aunt try to delve into the historical details surrounding the skeleton, who turned out to be an elite Russian military officer. The water pumping station also involved Mags and Jeep because of of Jeep’s strict beliefs about the water ecology of the area and the preservation of the water supply in a mostly arid area (Nevada) who is having the water supply impacted by larger urban areas.
The novel is a great read for animal lovers, ecology advocates, and mystery lovers. There is also a touch of romance to liven up the story line as Mags starts to date the deputy.
All in all, this is a great read for anyone who wants to sit down and escape to the rural landscape of Nevada to be entertained by the antics of Baxter and King (Jeep’s dog), the historical intricacies of researching what happened on the ranch 100 years ago, and the developing romance of Mags and Pete. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any upper middle/high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil(3), Linda Country life

The Ruling Sea

Redick, Robert V.S. The Ruling Sea
Ballantine see Random 2009 616p 27.00
978-0-345-59885-0 hs/adult Fantasy E-BN
The saga, begun in The Red Wolf Conspiracy continues as the motley band of heroes and villains leave Simja and head for the unexplored Ruling Sea. Allegiances shift, new conspirators appear, and magic and mahem abound. Much like Catching Fire, this sequel admirably outshines the original, furthering the story and leaving the reader salivating for the continuation of the series. Like an onion, the characters become more layered. Allegiances shift, new comrades are found, and the palpable magic permeates the landscape. Redick is an amazing world builder, making the realm of Alfiros believable and exotic, with page-turning suspense, a wealth of nautical lore, and a shocking ending that will leave readers hanging and eagerly awaiting the third book.

This second volume in the Chathrand Voyage series stands completely on its own, with just enough back story to fill in any gaps, but readers who missed the first will want to pick it up to savor the initial installment. An amazing addition to both seafaring fiction and fantasy. It will be devoured by fans of both genres. One can only hope that the proposed remaining volumes, The River of Shadows and The Night of the Swarm are published soon (and are up to the standards of the first two).
Highly recommended fantasy series for older readers. While there is nothing that is unacceptable for middle school audiences, the scope and lyrical language of the book will appeal to high school readers and adults. Naismith(3), Pat
Seafaring Fantasy

Letter To My Daughter

Bishop, George. Letter To My Daughter
Ballantine see Random 2010 148p 20.00
978-0-345-51598-8 hs Realistic Fiction VG-BN
In a series of letters to her run-away daughter, a mother recounts the story of her troubled youth during the Vietnam era.
This first-person story pulls in the reader with its strong characterizations and description of the emotional highs and lows of adolescence, as a child of the seventies recounts her first love and its complications. The narration is straightforward and accessible, and the pain of Laura’s isolation and romanticism is beautifully conveyed. This one will appeal to the Nicholas Sparks set. Its evocation of the seventies and the sexual revolution rings true, addressing race relations, class distinctions, parent-child relationships, and authoritarianism along the way.
Highly recommended for 8th through 12th grade girls Kennedy, Carol

Little women and Werewolves

Alcott, Louisa May & Porter Grand. Little women and Werewolves
Ballantine see Random 2010 396p 14.00
978-0-345-52260-3 secondary Supernatural E-BN
In this new version of Little Women there is the added elements of werewolves. The story is similar to the classic version but werewolves are part of the plot and interwoven into the little women’s lives. Little women and the werewolves is indeed an interesting tale of the marsh sisters town where werewolves live along side their neighbors. In this version the Laurence men are werewolves but only Jo and Beth know the truth and they are determined to keep this knowledge a secret from everyone. This tale is more gruesome than the original cleaned up story and fans of Louisa May Alcott may find it truly interesting and exciting.
This edition includes an original letter from Alcott’s editor telling her that the story as is can not be published but if she took the element of the werewolves out it could prove to be a hit.
The story in itself mirrors the original in pretty much everything except for the werewolf element.
In all probability if this tale about the editor is true and this is the original tale then it most likely would not have been a children’s favorite but it would have been a best seller for adults. Diaz, Magna
Girls - werewolves –

Amadine

deBlasi, Marlena. Amadine
Ballantine see Random 2010 319p 25.00
978-0-345-50734-1 hs/adult Historical E
Amadine grows up in a French convent in the 1930s, left there by her grandmother to be raised as an orphan. Amadine makes the lives of many richer while struggling to define herself. Food and aromas of nature make this a delectable read. Grades 10+.
At only a few months of age, Amadine is cruelly left at a French convent by her aristocratic grandmother who cannot bear to look at her. Amadine’s 16-year-old mother is told that she should move on and never mention the birth and that the baby died. Throughout the book, perspective shifts between Amadine and her convent life to the life of the Polish aristocracy and the fate of the 16-year-old mother. As Amadine charms all who come to know her, she also struggles with being an orphan and wondering who her mother is. As World War II begins, Amadine and Solange, her caregiver, set out for northern France only to be caught up in the war. Resistance workers help them in their journey and as always Amadine charms those she meets. Pervasive throughout the novel are the aromas of flowers and herbs and the depiction of food fresh from the garden, the smells of the kitchen and the wonderful delectable meals in the convent. As the war goes on, the sparsity of food is in stark contrast to former meals. All women in the novel have been tainted by cruelty or deception and that impacts their actions toward Amadine who often is on the receiving end of cruelty. Gripping reading. An adult novel with young adult appeal due to the age of the characters. Grades 10+.
Outstanding look at life in Europe from 1930-1945 focusing on women, aromas and food. Amadine, an orphan, must come to grips with who she is and longs to know her ancestry. Cruelty and deception affect all females and impact their actions. Grade 10+. McNicol(3),Lois
World War II and Orphans - Fiction

Oath of Fealty.

Moon, Elizabeth. Oath of Fealty.
Ballantine see Random 2010 471p 25.00
978-0-345-50874-4 hs/adult VG-BN
Author Elizabeth Moon revisits Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter’s world, focusing on the many people affected by her actions in the trilogy and prequels published 20 years ago. More than two decades ago, Elizabeth Moon, then a first-time novelist, offered readers the “Deed of Paksenarrion” trilogy. Later, to tie up loose ends, Moon published two prequels. With “Oath of Fealty,” Moon returns to the world and time of paladin Paksenarrion. “Fealty” is a page-turner; Ms. Moon’s experience and maturity as a seasoned writer ensure that characters and events are consistent with the earlier stories, avoiding inconsistencies and contradictions.
The book is not about Paksenarrion, instead focusing on the many people affected by her actions during the final half of “Oath of Gold.” Multiple plot lines don’t often intersect, so readers may find it challenging to follow several parallel story lines simultaneously. Kieri Phelan (once Duke) and his elven grandmother, jointly rule Lyonya. Captain Dorrin Varraki becomes involved in her family’s dark plots when Kieri’s royal progress is declared treason by Tasian Crown Prince Mikeli. Captain Jandelir Arcolin becomes the leader of Keri’s former ducal holdings. Paks plays only a minor role in this novel.

This is the first of a projected trilogy, but stands well on its own -- even if the reader has not had the opportunity to read “Deed.” Welliver, Hilary

Quofum. by Alan Dean Foster

Foster, Alan Dean. Quofum.
Ballantine (Random), 2008, 285p, $25.00, 978-0345-49605-8.

A scientific team is sent to Quorfum, a planet that sometimes isn’t where it should be in the galaxy. It is a thriller where scientifically ordered scientist have to deal with a world that is not logical, ordered, or rational. Unusual residents and odd occurrences are the norm for everyday activities.

The author has written a novel that will hold the interests of science fiction and adventure readers. It moves rapidly from one event to another constantly keeping the readers in suspense. It is also setting up further adventures for our scientists.
The wide variety of aliens shows a great imagination and humor. I thoroughly enjoyed the Stick-jellies to the fuzzies, to the hardshells, to the spikers with their unusual burrowing abilities. Each day the scientists discovered and catalogued never before seen flora and fauna with very unusual abilities. Several of these unusual inhabitants of this strange world were aggressive enough for the team to erect an electrified perimeter screen.
Scientists being what they are constantly try to find new and unusual things. This striving for the unknown led the scientist to an unbelievable discovery underground in a labyrinth of an energized warren of tubes.
All readers will enjoy this thriller and stay on the edge of their seats until the end. At which time they will be looking for the next book in the series to be printed. LM

30 Garfield years of laughs and lasagna. by Jim Davis

Davis, Jim. 30 Garfield years of laughs and lasagna.
Ballantine (Random), 2008, 287p, $29.95, 978-0-345-50379-4.


In this collector’s edition, Jim Davis presents his best work, divided into 3 decades. Garfield has never been funnier as he faces life’s pressures with his usual sarcasm and wit.
The reader will recognize this book instantly by its cover. One sees a fat, orange and black cat with trademark white eyes and yellow whiskers. Garfield is blunt, lazy and sarcastic. What more is there? Jim Davis interrupts every few pages with a story or anecdote or sketches to explain his successes and failures. In each cartoon, the reader will make a connection. It may not be personal, but everybody definitely knows somebody who acts, thinks or eats like Garfield. Garfield generally wins, except when he eats Jon’s sweat sock, thinking that it’s a crescent roll, or when he eats a stack of cookies, only to realize that the last cookie is a coaster. One will only marvel that Jon and Odie have survived 30 years with Garfield! The book is divided into three parts representing each of the three decades since Garfield’s initial appearance, and each decade is prefaced with an introduction by Jim Davis himself. Small Garfield icons mark each page number for a colorful, well-organized, wonderful collection. In 1996, Garfield became worldwide when Jim David launched his website, Garfield.com. In addition, Garfield himself has kept up with the times, becoming an Internet user in order to get an early morning cup of coffee. There is even a foundation, which promotes literacy in the name of Garfield, the Professor Garfield Foundation! Garfield has evolved over the years and that is why he is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Davis explains that he wanted to create a realistic, non-talking cat, and that’s why Garfield always communicates through his thoughts. America bought it, and it has survived! Davis ends the book with his 30 favorites, explaining the inspiration for each one. This collection is, as Garfield says, “A big, fat hairy deal.” MS

The gypsy morph (Genesis of Shannara). by Terry Brooks

Brooks, Terry. The gypsy morph (Genesis of Shannara).
Ballantine (Random), 2008, 402p, $27.00, 978-0-345-48414-7

This final volume in the Genesis of Shannara series does not disappoint. It brings together Knights of the Word, Logan Tom and Angel Perez, with the Elves of Cintra and the Gypsy Morph of the title, a boy born of wild magic named Hawk. They have the daunting task of saving mankind from the forces of evil, represented by the demons and half-men who represent the Void. The action is break-neck, perils abound, the characters a well drawn. The threads from all the previous books are so deftly woven that the fantasy world is real and palpable. This is Brooks at his finest, weaving the mythology of Shannara and the gritty modernism of the Word and Void into a beautiful and complex tapestry.
Highly recommended for high school and public library fantasy collections. This ending provides a beginning, and will make fans and readers want to start the Shannara story all over again. PN